Techniques for establishing communications with a local wireless network

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a memory to store one or more identifiers for respective one or more home service providers, circuitry coupled to the memory, and a network access component for execution on the circuitry to automatically identify a set of access points that can provide wireless service to a device based upon the one or more identifiers, and select an access point from the identified set of access points to establish a wireless connection. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent applicationNo. 61/751,755 filed Jan. 11, 2013, and incorporated by reference hereinin its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Communications infrastructure for wireless local area networks (WLAN),such as those operating under the Institute of Electrical andElectronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series of standards (collectivelyreferred to as “Wi-Fi”), continues to evolve to meet changing userneeds. In general, an association process for a user to find and connectto a correct Wi-Fi network may require excessive time and complicationsfor most users. Further, Wi-Fi networks do not provide a convenientmechanism to assume work requests from overloaded wireless wide areanetworks (WWAN), such as overloaded 3G and 4G cellular radiotelephonenetworks. Recent efforts to address some of these issues have led todevelopment of a series of standards to simplify connection and roamingin Wi-Fi based networks. These standards are sometimes collectivelyreferred to informally as “Hotspot” standards. In particular, a Hotspot2.0 standard represents evolution of Wi-Fi infrastructure supported bythe Wi-Fi Alliance® and is designed to interoperate with the IEEE 802.11standards for WLAN communications. Some goals of the Hotspot 2.0standards include enabling simple, secure connection to Wi-Fi hotspots,facilitating easy roaming among them, and managing traffic offload from3G/4G networks to Hotspot 2.0-enabled Wi-Fi networks. As part of thiseffort, network operators are presently deploying a large number ofWi-Fi hotspots to address the growing data demand, provide betterquality of experience, and reduce churn.

However, one of the fundamental remaining challenges facing users ofWi-Fi capable devices in public hotspots is the ability to discoverwhich Wi-Fi hotspot is available for users/devices to access based uponthe credentials possessed by a given user. In the absence of anystandards, this process involves a multiple step trial and error method.Among the various actions that may be performed before a usersuccessfully accesses a given public hot-spot, the user of a wirelessdevice may be required to find and launch a “Connection Manager” programor application resident on the wireless device. Subsequently, thewireless device may scan for publicly available wireless networks, whichmay be displayed on the wireless device to the user as a service setidentifier (SSID). A SSID typically represents a public name for a givennetwork. The user may then manually select a SSID to connect to acorresponding wireless network hotspot. The wireless device may thenperform an association process with the selected hotspot (wirelessaccess point of the wireless network). Subsequently, in typicalscenarios, the user may manually launch a web browser application, whichtriggers the hotspot to launch a web page on the user's wireless devicethat redirects the session and displays provider information and/orroaming partner information. At this point, a determination is typicallymade as to whether the wireless device user has the proper credentialsto access the provider of the hotspot or whether network roaming issupported. If so, access to the public hotspot may be permittedfollowing one or more additional actions, such as the user providingspecific information indicating credentials, such as providing codes,selecting menu items provided in the web browser, and so forth.

As is apparent, the above process is both extensive and may entailneedless complication and time. Although this process to obtain Wi-Fihotspot access may be familiar to many users, the extensive proceduresrequired and the potential for making errors during such procedures maycause excessive user frustration and generally deter users fromaccessing Wi-Fi networks. It is with respect to these and otherconsiderations that the present improvements have been needed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts processes for network authentication.

FIG. 2 depicts one scenario for network authentication consistent withthe present embodiments.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of an apparatus.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary set of message flows.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary data structure in a wireless device.

FIG. 6 depicts a data structure in a network server.

FIG. 7 depicts a further data structure in another network server.

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary first logic flow.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary second logic flow.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary system architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments provide novel networking mechanisms that facilitate a fastand efficient process for identifying which Wi-Fi networks a wirelessdevice is permitted to access with the user or device credentials. Theembodiments generally reduce or remove manual operations currentlyneeded for determining which, if any, wireless networks a user canaccess. The embodiments enable a wireless device to automaticallyidentify available wireless networks including those of a home serviceprovider and visiting networks. As a result, the embodiments enhanceuser experience, aid in device power saving while providing automaticWi-Fi network connection capability, and provide seamless sessioncontinuity and offloading between different wireless networks. Otheradvantages exist as well.

Various embodiments may comprise one or more elements. An element maycomprise any structure arranged to perform certain operations. Someelements may be implemented as hardware, software, or any combinationthereof, as desired for a given set of design parameters or performanceconstraints. Although an embodiment may be described with a limitednumber of elements in a certain topology by way of example, theembodiment may include more or less elements in alternate topologies asdesired for a given implementation. It is worthy to note that anyreference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances ofthe phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specificationare not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

In various embodiments, radio communication is facilitated using awireless local area network (WLAN)-based technology, such as IEEE 802.11based networks, for example. In particular, the present embodimentsaddress issues identified to update and improve one or more Hotspotstandards designed to interoperate with various types of WLANs, such asan IEEE 802.11 based networks. Embodiments may be implemented, forexample, as part of Wi-Fi Alliance® Technical Committee Hotspot 2.0Technical Task Group Hotspot 2.0 (Release 2) Technical Specification,Version 2.04, dated Jan. 2, 2013 (“Hotspot 2.0”), along with itsvariants, modifications and progeny. It may be appreciated, however,that the embodiments are not limited to IEEE 802.11 standards or Hotspot2.0 standards, and may be used with any suitable wireless networks asdesired for a given implementation. The embodiments are not limited inthis context.

Current mechanisms for linking a wireless device to a public wirelessaccess network rely on static configuration of SSID information on thedevices. One example of a conventional process flow involved for accessto a Wi-Fi public hotspot is shown in FIG. 1. At block 12, a user findsand launches a connection manager or similar program provided by theuser's wireless device. At block 14, the user's wireless device performsa scan to determine wireless networks, if any, that are withincommunications range of the user and presents SSIDs of wireless networksfound to the user on an interface in the user's wireless device. Atblock 16, the user manually selects a wireless network hotspot from oneof the SSIDs presented by the wireless network. At block 18 the user'sdevice associates with the selected wireless network hotspot. At block20, the user then manually launches a web browser program on the user'swireless device. At block 22, the session is redirected bycommunications from the hotspot such that the user's device displaysprovider and/or roaming partner information related to the hotspotselected. At block 24, a determination is made as to whether the userhas credentials for using the wireless network of the service providerof the hotspot or whether network roaming is supported.

To improve upon the above process outlined in FIG. 1, the presentembodiments provide mechanisms to automatically identify a list ofaccess points that can provide wireless service to a device for a givenset of security credentials, and select an access point from theidentified list of access points for connection.

In particular embodiments, a Network Access Identifier (NAI)-based querymechanism is employed for identifying Wi-Fi hotspots that can provideaccess to network for the given set of credentials for a user, deviceand/or system. In conventional implementation, a Network AccessIdentifier (NAI) constitutes a user identity that is submitted by theclient (user device) during network access authentication. In roamingscenarios, the purpose of the NAI is to identify the user as well as toassist in the routing of an authentication request.

In various embodiments a new protocol is introduced to update theHotspot 2.0 specification, and in particular to the “Access NetworkQuery Protocol (ANQP).” The present embodiments employ ANQP to simplifyhome service provider (SP) roaming partner identification by adding a“NAI home realm” query to a network access process. A NAI home realm maycomprise, for example, a domain associated with any home serviceprovider of a user's wireless device. For example, a first NAI may read“username@ homeISP1.com,” where “homeISP1.com is a home realm for theuser's wireless device. In one set of implementations, and as detailedbelow the user's wireless device queries the network associated with ahotspot with a message that is the equivalent of “Do you provide accessfor the users of MyHomeSP?” and the network provides a YES or NOresponse. In this manner, the user device may query any hotspots (accesspoints) within communications range and automatically identify a set ofaccess points that provide service to the user device based uponidentifier information about the user's home service providers sent inthe NAI home realm query. The user device may then select from the setof identified access points an access point with which communicationsare to be established.

FIG. 2. illustrates a use scenario consistent with the presentembodiments that involves a communications arrangement 100. Thecommunications arrangement 100 includes a network 104 and network 106.Within each network 104 and network 106 multiple wireless communicationspoints are deployed such as the access points (AP) shown in FIG. 2.Unless otherwise noted, as used herein, the term “access point” and“hotspot” are used interchangeably to refer to a wireless base stationthat forms part of a network. Also illustrated in FIG. 2 is a wirelessdevice 102, which may be a mobile device such as a laptop computer,tablet computing device, smart phone or other electronic computingdevice or communications device, a television (TV), or videogame device.The embodiments are not limited in this context.

As the wireless device 102 moves between locations, wirelesscommunications may be established and/or broken between the wirelessdevice 102 and one or more communications points within the WLAN 104 andWLAN 106. In conventional operation, the wireless device 102 may be setto scan for available networks to establish a communications link. Thisscanning may take place according to a predetermined procedure, whetherthe wireless device 102 is stationary or moving between locations. Underconventional operation, the wireless device 102 may attempt to associatewith one or more access points 110-118 as the wireless device 102 entersto within communications range of a respective access point. However, inconventional operation, before the wireless device 102 becomesassociated with any of the given wireless access points 110-118, thevarious operations outlined in FIG. 1 are performed, requiring excessiveand burdensome user intervention for the user of wireless device 102, asdiscussed above.

However, in the present embodiments, mechanisms are provided thatfacilitate network discovery and selection for the wireless device 102via an access point such as access points 110-118 without excessive userintervention, provided the wireless device 102 exhibits the appropriatecredentials as detailed below. In various embodiments, network selectionmay be initiated with the aid of a generic advertisement service (GAS)mechanism, which provides for discovery of suitable networks(pre-association) through the advertisement of access network type(private network, free public network, for-fee public network), roamingconsortium, and venue information. For example, the wireless device 102may send an ANQP element identifying home service providers of userdevice 102 that is contained within a GAS message, such as a GAS initialrequest frame. This GAS initial request frame may be relayed by one ormore of the access points 110-118 to a respective server for the networkassociated with the access point. In addition, the access point maydeliver the server's response back to the wireless device 102.

In the example of FIG. 2, when the wireless device 102 is located atposition A the wireless device 102 may send a message such as a GASmessage 120, which is received by two access points in close proximityto the wireless device 102, such as access points 110, 116. In oneexemplary implementation, the access point 116 may be part of a network104 of a first service provider, while the access point 110 is part ofthe network 106 of a second service provider. Consistent with thepresent embodiments, and detailed below with respect to FIG. 4, in onespecific scenario the first service provider of network 104 maydetermine from the GAS message 120 that the home service provider of(the user of) wireless device 102 is to be permitted network access viathe AP (hotspot) 116, while the second service provider of network 106may determine from the GAS message 120 that the home service provider of(the user of) wireless device 102 is not to be permitted network accessvia the AP (hotspot) 110. Accordingly, the wireless device 102 mayreceive response messages from each of AP 116, 110, which apprises thewireless device 102 that association may (only) take place via AP 116.The wireless device 102 may consequently perform the appropriate tasksto determine association depending on a set protocol; for example, thewireless device 102 may then continue to complete an association processso that linking to the network 104 is completed.

FIG. 3. depicts an embodiment of the wireless device 102 consistent withthe present embodiments. The wireless device 102 includes a processorcircuit 302, memory 304, radio component 306, and network accesscomponent 308. The network access component 308 may facilitate networkdiscovery and association as detailed below. In brief, the memory 304may store one or more identifiers that identify a respective one or morehome service providers for the wireless device 102. The network accesscomponent 308 may schedule for wireless transmission a user identifiermessage that includes a list of the one or more identifiers, and mayreceive in return one or more response messages that indicate whethernetwork access is permitted via a responding access point or hotspot.For example an access point (hotspot) may respond that network access ispermitted and may include a supported provider list that identifies oneor more providers that provide access via the hotspot. Such supportedprovider lists may be sent wirelessly from one or more access pointsthat receive the user identifier message. The network access component308 may then select a provider from a supported provider list of the oneor more supported provider lists, where the selected providercorresponding to an identifier of the one or more identifiers that wassent by the wireless device 102. The network access component 308 maythen schedule association with an access point that provides theselected provider.

The network access component 308 and radio component 306 may comprisevarious hardware elements, software elements, or a combination of both.Examples of hardware elements may include devices, components,processors, microprocessors, circuits, circuit elements (e.g.,transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, and so forth), integratedcircuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmablelogic devices (PLD), digital signal processors (DSP), field programmablegate array (FPGA), memory units, logic gates, registers, semiconductordevice, chips, microchips, chip sets, and so forth. Examples of softwareelements may include software components, programs, applications,computer programs, application programs, system programs, machineprograms, operating system software, middleware, firmware, softwaremodules, routines, subroutines, functions, methods, procedures, softwareinterfaces, application program interfaces (API), instruction sets,computing code, computer code, code segments, computer code segments,words, values, symbols, or any combination thereof. Determining whetheran embodiment is implemented using hardware elements and/or softwareelements may vary in accordance with any number of factors, such asdesired computational rate, power levels, heat tolerances, processingcycle budget, input data rates, output data rates, memory resources,data bus speeds and other design or performance constraints, as desiredfor a given implementation.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of message flow for accessing ahotspot that may be performed by the wireless device 102 in conjunctionwith one or more networks. In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates anexemplary wireless communications architecture for a user's wirelessdevice (STA) 102 in one scenario in which multiple access points (or hotspots) may be available within wireless communications range to the STA202. In the example illustrated, the access point AP-1 may constitutethe access point 110 of FIG. 2. The AP 110 includes a first SSID labeledSSID-X for the purposes of illustration. The AP 110 is coupled to afirst ANQP server 402 which may belong to the network 104 of a firstnetwork provider. A second access point labeled AP-2, which mayconstitute the access point 116 of FIG. 2, includes a second SSIDlabeled SSID-Y for the purposes of illustration. The AP 116 is coupledto a second ANQP server 404 which may belong to the network 106 of asecond network provider.

In the scenario shown in FIG. 4, the wireless device 102, which mayrepresent any type of client device (e.g., smart phone, tablet computer,notebook computer, etc.), is provisioned with credential(s) from one ormore home server provider(s). FIG. 5 illustrates a home realm list 502that may be stored in the memory 304 in which home service providerinformation is stored for use in authentication. The home serviceprovider information may include the name(s) of home service providerrealms for networks from which the user device 102 has receivedcredentials to access the given network.

In the architecture of FIG. 4, ANQP servers such as ANQP servers 402,404 are configured with network information including all the realms inwhich the given server provides network access, including those of therespective networks 104, 106.

The home service provider information in home realm list 502 facilitatesthe ability for the wireless device 102 to decide if and whether to usea hotspot based upon information that may be received from an accesspoint (hotspot). In various embodiments, when the wireless device 102searches for a Wi-Fi connection that it can access using itscredential(s) from the home SP, the wireless device 102 sends a set ofANQP NAI Home Realm queries containing the realm(s) of its home SP(s).In the example of FIG. 5, these queries indicate that the wirelessdevice 102 has credentials for home realms that include NAI home realm#1, NAI home realm #2, . . . NAI home realm #N. These queries may thenbe used for searching if any access point within communications range isconnected to a network that allows access to the home SP customers ofthe NAI home realms sent in the NAI home realm queries. In typicalscenarios, a potential access network provider, e.g., networks 104, 106,could be either a home SP network or a network of a roaming partner of ahome SP.

Referring to both FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, when the wireless device 102 entersthe area A, the wireless device 102 may detect, among others, the accesspoint 110 and the access point 116. Accordingly, the wireless device 102generates a set of ANQP NAI home realm queries to determine networkavailability. As shown in FIG. 4, the wireless device 102 sends an ANQPnetwork access identifier home realm query 406 to the access pointhaving the SSID-X, which is AP 110 in this example. As further shown inFIG. 4, the wireless device 102 also sends an ANQP network accessidentifier home realm query 408 to the access point having the SSID-Y,that is, AP 116 in this example.

Upon receipt of each respective ANQP NAI home realm query message, therespective receiving AP may forward the respective ANQP NAI home realmquery message to an ANQP server as shown in FIG. 4. As a first example,the ANQP network access identifier home realm query 406 is forwarded bythe access point 110 to ANQP server 402 as an ANQP network accessidentifier home realm query 410. The ANQP server 402 then examines theANQP network access identifier home realm query 410 to determine therealms listed therein. In the scenario of FIG. 4, the ANQP server 402examines a list of realms that are provided in the ANQP NAI home realmquery 410, that is, the home realm list 502, which realms correspond toservice providers for the wireless device 102 that provide credentialsto access services.

The ANQP server 402 may then check its own memory to examine a realmlist that contains a listing of realms for which the ANQP server 402provides network access. FIG. 6 provides an example of a realm list 602that may be contained by the ANQP server 402. As shown, the realm list602 includes NAI realm #A, NAI realm #B, NAI realm #Z, which representdifferent realms that are supported by the ANQP server 402. In comparingthe realm list 602 to the home realm list 502 sent by the wirelessdevice 102 in the ANQP NAI home realm query 410, the ANQP 402 server maydetermine that there are no matches between lists. In other words, noneof the realms supported by the ANQP server 402 (NAI home realm #A, NAIhome realm #B, NAI home realm #Z) correspond to realms listed in theANQP NAI home realm query 410. After making this determination, the ANQPserver 402 returns an ANQP NAI home realm response 412 to the accesspoint 110, which indicates that the ANQP server 402 does not supportnetwork access for the wireless device 102 based upon the ANQP NAI homerealm query 410. Accordingly, the ANQP NAI home realm response 412indicates “home realm access=NO” as shown in FIG. 4. The access point110 forwards this response as an ANQP NAI home realm response 414 towireless device 102, which indicates to the wireless device 102 “homerealm access=NO” as shown in FIG. 4. This informs the wireless device102 that the ANQP server 402 does not support network access for thewireless device 102 based upon the ANQP NAI home realm query 410.

In a further example, the ANQP network access identifier home realmquery 408 is forwarded by the access point 116 to ANQP server 404 as theANQP network access identifier home realm query 416. The ANQP server 402then examines the ANQP network access identifier home realm query 416 todetermine the realms listed therein. In the scenario of FIG. 4, the ANQPserver 404 examines a list of realms that are provided in the ANQP NAIhome realm query 416, that is, the home realm list 502, which realmscorrespond to service providers for the wireless device 102 that providecredentials to access services.

The ANQP server 404 may then check its own memory to examine a realmlist that contains a listing of realms for which the ANQP server 404provides network access. FIG. 7 provides an example of a realm list 702that may be contained by the ANQP server 404. As shown, the realm list702 includes NAI home realm #AA and NAI home realm #2, which representdifferent realms that are supported by the ANQP server 404. In comparingthe realm list 702 to the home realm list 502 sent by the wirelessdevice 102 in the ANQP NAI home realm query 416, the ANQP 404 server maydetermine that there is a match between lists. In other words, the homerealm list 502 includes an entry NAI home realm #2, which matches asimilar entry in realm list 702. The home realm #2 may correspond tonetwork 106 or another network supported by the ANQP server in differentinstances. After making this determination, the ANQP server 404 returnsan ANQP NAI home realm response 418 to the access point 116, whichindicates that the ANQP server 404 does support network access for thewireless device 102 based upon the ANQP NAI home realm query 410.Accordingly, the ANQP NAI home realm response 418 indicates “home realmaccess=YES” as also shown in FIG. 4.

The access point 116 forwards this response as an ANQP NAI home realmresponse 420 to wireless device 102, which indicates to the wirelessdevice 102 “home realm access=YES” as shown in FIG. 4. This informs thewireless device 102 that the ANQP server 402 does support network accessfor the wireless device 102 based upon the ANQP NAI home realm query416. The ANQP NAI home realm response 420 may additionally provide asupported provider list that identifies the supported provider, that is,NAI home realm #2.

After receiving the ANQP NAI home realm response 414 and ANQP NAI homerealm response 420, the wireless device 102, and in particular, thenetwork access component 308, may perform an analysis 422 to determinethat the access point 116, identified by the SSID-Y, does providenetwork access, while the access point 110 does not provide networkaccess. The wireless device 102 may further determine that no otherhotspots (AP) within communications range currently provide networkaccess. Accordingly, the wireless device 102 may send an associationmessage 424 to the access point 116 to link to the network denoted byhome realm #2. Subsequently, network access is automatically provided towireless device 102 via access point 116 without requiring userintervention.

The present embodiments as outlined in FIG. 4 thus provide an updatingfor the ANQP protocol established for IEEE 802.11 communications. In oneembodiment, for example, IEEE 802.11u defines Generic AdvertisementService (GAS) and Access Network Query Protocol (ANQP) by whichpre-associated frames can be exchanged using query and responsemechanism which allows discovery of access network information. The WFAHotspot 2.0 specification extends the IEEE 802.11u ANQP messages and inparticular, by use of the “NAI Home Realm Query” process that has beenincluded in the Hotspot 2.0 ANQP queries. As noted, in oneimplementation of the present embodiments, “NAI Home Realm Query”normative text and structures have been submitted and adopted forinclusion in section 4.6 of the Hotspot 2.0 release 2 specification,which is excerpted below.

In particular, section 4.6 provides examples of the content of an ANQPhome realm query including the data structure that contains identifiersof home service providers of a requesting wireless device.

4.6 NAI Home Realm Query

The NAI Home Realm Query element is used by a requesting mobile deviceto determine if the network access identifier (NAI) realms for which ithas security credentials are realms corresponding to SPs or otherentities whose networks or services are accessible via this BSS. Therequesting mobile device includes in an NAI Home Realm Query only theNAI Home Realm Name(s) for which it has credentials.

In response to the NAI Home Realm Query, a responding AP returns a NAIRealm List formatted as specified in section 8.4.4.10. The NAI RealmList includes only realms exactly matching realms contained in the NAIHome Realm Query. The NAI Realm List can contain one or more NAI RealmData fields (see FIG. 8-417) having one or more matching realmscontained within the NAI Realm Data field (see FIG. 8-418). If theresponding AP has no matching NAI Realm subfields, then the NAI RealmList is returned with the NAI Realm Count set to zero.

Note: a mobile device can include the NAI Home Realm Query as the soleANQP element in a GAS Initial Request frame.

The format of the NAI Home Realm Query Payload is provided in FIG. 13(Table I).

TABLE I NAI Home Realm Query element payload NAI-Home NAI-Home NAI HomeRealm Name Realm Name NAI-Home Realm Name Data #2 Data #n Realm CountData #1 (optional) (optional) Octets: 1 variable variable variable

The NAI Home Realm Count is a 1-octet field that specifies the number ofNAI Home Realm Name Data fields included in the NAI Home Realm Query.The format of the NAI Home Realm Name Data is shown in FIG. 14 (TableII).

TABLE II NAI Home Realm Name Data format NAI NAI NAI Realm Home RealmHome Realm Encoding Name Length Name Octets: 1 1 Variable

The NAI Realm Encoding is a 1-octet sub-field whose format is defined inFIG. 8-419 and described in section 8.4.4.10.

NAI Home Realm Name Length sub-field is a 1-octet sub-field whose valueis the length of the NAI Realm Name sub-field.

The NAI Home Realm Name sub-field is one or more NAI Home Realmsformatted as defined in the NAI Realm subfield of the NAI Realm Datafield as described in section 8.4.4.10. The maximum length of thissub-field is 255 octets.

It is to be noted that in some scenarios of the present embodiments, inresponse to an ANQP home realm query multiple realms may be identifiedby responding access points that permit access to a user device, such aswireless device 102. For example, a first access point may return afirst ANQP home realm response that identifies two different realms,while a second access point returns a second ANQP home realm responsethat identifies a third realm, each or which realms permits access tothe wireless device. In such cases, the wireless device 102, and inparticular access component 308, may perform selection of a realm basedupon policy that is preestablished for the wireless device, such as by ahome service provider of the wireless device.

Included herein is a set of flow charts representative of exemplarymethodologies for performing novel aspects of the disclosedarchitecture. While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the oneor more methodologies shown herein, for example, in the form of a flowchart or flow diagram, are shown and described as a series of acts, itis to be understood and appreciated that the methodologies are notlimited by the order of acts, as some acts may, in accordance therewith,occur in a different order and/or concurrently with other acts from thatshown and described herein. For example, those skilled in the art willunderstand and appreciate that a methodology could alternatively berepresented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as in astate diagram. Moreover, not all acts illustrated in a methodology maybe required for a novel implementation.

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary first logic flow 800. The logic flow 800 maybe implemented, for example, by a network access component 308 ofwireless device. At block 802, one or more access points are detected.At block 804, a network access identifier query that includes a homerealm list indicating home service providers for a wireless device issent to one or more access points. At block 806, one or more NAIresponse messages is received from a respective one or more accesspoints, where a response message indicates whether home realm access isprovided by that access point. At the block 808, association isperformed with a selected access point from the one or more accesspoints that provides home realm access.

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary second logic flow 900. At block 902, anaccess point is detected. At block 904, a network access identifierquery is sent to the detected access point including a home realm listthat indicates home service providers for a wireless device. At block906, a realm list is received from the detected access point whichidentifies one or more supported providers, that is, access networkssupported by the access point.

At decision block 908 a determination is made as to whether the homerealm list sent contains a select realm or realms that matches an entryor entries in the realm list received from the detected access point. Ifnot, the flow proceeds to block 910 where searching for access points iscontinued. After block 910, the flow returns to block 902.

If, at decision block 908 a match or matches is determined, the flowproceeds to block 912. At decision block 912, a determination is made asto whether additional access points have been detected. If so, the flowproceeds to block 904 where a network access identifier query is sent tothe additional detected access point including a home realm list thatindicates home service providers for a wireless device. If not, the flowproceeds to block 914 where association is performed with a selectedaccess point based upon user policy.

In summary, the present embodiments provide the following benefits foraccessing wireless networks. To begin with, the techniques of thepresent embodiments employ only simple an ANQP NAI Home Realmquery/response message exchange that can be performed very rapidly. Thisalso simplifies NAI Home Realm roaming identification significantly. Inaddition, the techniques of the present embodiments remove thedependency on existing SSID-based network discovery and selection whichexisting procedures are static, only allow home SP home networkidentification, are not easily scalable well for large scale scenarios,and do not provide any information about a roaming partners of a homeSP. Another advantage afforded by the present embodiments is that hardcoding of SSID on a device is not required. The present embodiments alsoprovide for the wireless device to identify both home SP network andalso roaming partners' networks. A further advantage is that wirelessdevices can quickly and reliably discover a network the wireless devicecan have access to, which may help power saving by minimizing thediscovery time. This also reduces overhead by transmitting minimal andonly essential information over the air. Finally, the presentembodiments facilitate automatic wireless network discovery andselection, thereby eliminating the need for a user to manually interveneduring this process.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of an exemplary system embodiment and inparticular, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a platform 1000, which mayinclude various elements. For instance, FIG. 10 shows that platform(system) 1000 may include a processor/graphics core 1002, achipset/platform control hub (PCH) 1004, an input/output (I/O) device1006, a random access memory (RAM) (such as dynamic RAM (DRAM)) 1008,and a read only memory (ROM) 1010, display electronics 1020, displaybacklight 1022, non-volatile memory port 1024, antenna 1026, and variousother platform components 1014 (e.g., a fan, a crossflow blower, a heatsink, DTM system, cooling system, housing, vents, and so forth). System1000 may also include wireless communications chip 1016 and graphicsdevice 1018. The embodiments, however, are not limited to theseelements.

As shown in FIG. 10, I/O device 1006, RAM 1008, and ROM 1010 are coupledto processor 1002 by way of chipset 1004. Chipset 1004 may be coupled toprocessor 1002 by a bus 1012. Accordingly, bus 1012 may include multiplelines.

Processor 1002 may be a central processing unit comprising one or moreprocessor cores and may include any number of processors having anynumber of processor cores. The processor 1002 may include any type ofprocessing unit, such as, for example, CPU, multi-processing unit, areduced instruction set computer (RISC), a processor that have apipeline, a complex instruction set computer (CISC), digital signalprocessor (DSP), and so forth. In some embodiments, processor 1002 maybe multiple separate processors located on separate integrated circuitchips. In some embodiments processor 1002 may be a processor havingintegrated graphics, while in other embodiments processor 1002 may be agraphics core or cores.

The following examples pertain to further embodiments.

Example 1 is an apparatus that includes a memory to store one or moreidentifiers for respective one or more home service providers; circuitrycoupled to the memory; and a network access component for execution onthe circuitry to automatically identify a set of access points that canprovide wireless service to a device based upon the one or moreidentifiers, and select an access point from the identified set ofaccess points to establish a wireless connection.

In example 2, the network access component may optionally be to schedulefor wireless transmission a user identifier message including a list ofthe one or more identifiers, the user identifier message comprising anetwork access identifier (NAI) message that identifies the apparatusand a list of NAI home realms for which the device has securitycredentials.

In example 3, the network access component of any of the examples 1-2may optionally be to receive one or more response messages that includea respective one or more supported provider list, the one or moreresponse messages including respective one or more realm lists, each ofthe one or more realm lists including only a list of realms that eachprovides a match to a corresponding realm in the list of NAI home realmsof the NAI message.

In example 4, the network access component of any of the examples 1-3may optionally be to select a provider from a supported provider list ofthe one or more supported provider lists, the selected providercorresponding to an identifier of the one or more identifiers, the oneor more response messages including respective one or more NAI realmlists, each NAI realm list identifying one or more service providerswhose networks or services are accessible via a respective wirelessaccess point.

In example 5, the network access component of any of the examples 1-4may optionally be for execution on the circuitry to: specify in a firstfield a number corresponding to the list of NAI home realms for whichthe apparatus has security credentials; and specify in a second field anNAI home realm name for each NAI home realm for which the user devicehas security credentials.

In example 6, the network access component of any of the examples 1-5may optionally be to schedule association with an access point thatprovides the selected provider.

In example 7, the network access component of any of the examples 1-6may optionally be to read a network access identifier (NAI) realm listin the response message in order to schedule association with the accesspoint.

In example 8, the network access component of any of the examples 1-7may optionally be to select a NAI realm from among the one or more NAIrealm lists in order to schedule association with the access point.

In example 9, the network access component of any of the examples 1-8may optionally be to forward the NAI realm in an association message inorder to schedule association with the access point.

In example 10, the network access component of any of the examples 1-9may optionally be for execution on the circuitry to read the one or moreNAI realm lists, determine if there are no matches between the one ormore NAI realm lists and list of home NAI realms, and schedule forwireless transmission an additional user identifier message if there areno matches between the one or more NAI realm lists and list of home NAIrealms.

In example 11, the network access component of any of the examples 1-10may optionally be for execution on the circuitry to provide a networkaccess identifier (NAI) home realm query as a sole element in a genericadvertisement service (GAS) initial request frame.

In example 12, the network access component of any of the examples 1-11may optionally be for execution on the circuitry to select a serviceprovider based upon operator policy of the apparatus if the one or moresupported provider lists include in total two or more providers thateach match a respective home service provider of the apparatus.

In example 13, the apparatus of any of the examples 1-12 may optionallyinclude an antenna to transmit and receive communications over thewireless connection.

In example 14, a computer implemented method includes sending a useridentifier message including a list of identifiers for one or more homeservice providers for a user device over a wireless connection,receiving one or more response messages that include a respective one ormore provider lists, selecting a provider from a supported provider listof the one or more provider lists that matches an identifier of the listof identifiers, and associating with an access point that supports theselected provider.

In example 15, the user identifier message of example 14 may optionallyinclude a network access identifier (NAI) message that identifies theuser device and a list of NAI home realms for which the user device hassecurity credentials.

In example 16, the one or more response messages of any of the examples14-15 may optionally include respective one or more realm lists, each ofthe one or more realm lists including only a list of realms that eachprovides a match to a corresponding realm in the list of NAI home realmsof the NAI message.

In example 17, the one or more response messages of any of the examples14-16 may optionally include respective one or more NAI realm lists,each NAI realm list identifying one or more service providers whosenetworks or services are accessible via a wireless access point.

In example 18, the computer implemented method of any of the examples14-17 may optionally include specifying in a first field a numbercorresponding to the list of NAI home realms for which the user devicehas security credentials, and specifying in a second field an NAI homerealm name for each NAI home realm for which the user device hassecurity credentials.

In example 19, the computer implemented method of any of the examples14-18 may optionally include reading a network access identifier (NAI)realm list in the response message; selecting an NAI realm from amongthe NAI realm list; and forwarding the NAI realm in an associationmessage.

In example 20, at least one computer-readable storage medium comprisesinstructions that, when executed, cause a system to schedule forwireless transmission a user identifier message including a list ofidentifiers of one or more home service providers for a user device, toreceive one or more response messages that include a respective one ormore supported provider list, to select a provider from a supportedprovider list of the one or more supported provider lists that matchesan identifier of the list of identifiers of the user device, and toschedule association with an access point that provides the selectedprovider.

In example 21, the user identifier message of example 20 may optionallyinclude a network access identifier (NAI) message that identifies theuser device and a list of NAI home realms for which the user device hassecurity credentials.

In example 22, the one or more response messages of any of the examples20-21 may optionally include a respective one or more realm list s, eachof the one or more realm lists including only a list of realms that eachprovides a match to a corresponding realm in the list of NAI home realmsof the NAI message.

In example 23, the one or more response messages of any of the examples20-22 may optionally include respective one or more NAI realm lists,each NAI realm list identifying one or more service providers whosenetworks or services are accessible via a respective wireless accesspoint.

In example 24, the at least one computer-readable storage medium of anyof the examples 20-23 may optionally include instructions that, whenexecuted, cause a system to specify in a first field a numbercorresponding to the list of NAI home realms for which the user devicehas security credentials, and specify in a second field an NAI homerealm name for each NAI home realm for which the user device hassecurity credentials.

In example 25, the at least one computer-readable storage medium of anyof the examples 20-24 may optionally include instructions that, whenexecuted, cause a system to read a network access identifier (NAI) realmlist in the response message, select an NAI realm from among the NAIrealm list, and forward the NAI realm in an association message.

In example 26, the at least one computer-readable storage medium of anyof the examples 20-25 may optionally include instructions that, whenexecuted, cause a system to: read the one or more NAI realm lists, todetermine if there are no matches between the one or more NAI realmlists and list of home NAI realms, and to schedule for wirelesstransmission an additional user identifier message if there are nomatches between the one or more NAI realm lists and list of home NAIrealms.

In example 27, the at least one computer-readable storage medium of anyof the examples 20-26 may optionally include instructions that, whenexecuted, cause a system to provide a network access identifier (NAI)home realm query as a sole element in a generic advertisement service(GAS) initial request frame.

In example 28, an apparatus includes a radio component, a memory tostore one or more identifiers for respective one or more home serviceproviders, circuitry coupled to the memory, and a network accesscomponent for execution on the circuitry to automatically identify a setof access points that can provide wireless service to a device basedupon the one or more identifiers, and select an access point from theidentified set of access points to establish a wireless connection.

In example 29, the network access component of example 28 may optionallybe to schedule for wireless transmission a user identifier messageincluding a list of the one or more identifiers, the user identifiermessage comprising a network access identifier (NAI) message thatidentifies the apparatus and a list of NAI home realms for which thedevice has security credentials.

In example 30, the network access component of any of examples 28-29 mayoptionally be to receive one or more response messages that include arespective one or more supported provider list, the one or more responsemessages including respective one or more realm lists, each of the oneor more realm lists including only a list of realms that each provides amatch to a corresponding realm in the list of NAI home realms of the NAImessage.

In example 31, the network access component of any of examples 28-30 mayoptionally be to select a provider from a supported provider list of theone or more supported provider lists, the selected providercorresponding to an identifier of the one or more identifiers, the oneor more response messages including respective one or more NAI realmlists, each NAI realm list identifying one or more service providerswhose networks or services are accessible via a respective wirelessaccess point.

In example 32, the network access component of any of examples 28-31 mayoptionally be for execution on the circuitry to specify in a first fielda number corresponding to the list of NAI home realms for which theapparatus has security credentials, and specify in a second field an NAIhome realm name for each NAI home realm for which the user device hassecurity credentials.

In example 33, the network access component of any of examples 28-32 mayoptionally be to schedule association with an access point that providesthe selected provider.

In example 34, the network access component of any of examples 28-33 mayoptionally be to read a network access identifier (NAI) realm list inthe response message in order to schedule association with the accesspoint.

In example 35, the network access component of any of examples 28-34 mayoptionally be to select a NAI realm from among the NAI realm list inorder to schedule association with the access point.

In example 36, the network access component of any of examples 28-35 mayoptionally be to forward the NAI realm in an association message inorder to schedule association with the access point.

In example 37, the network access component of any of examples 28-36 mayoptionally be for execution on the circuitry to: read the one or moreNAI realm lists, to determine if there are no matches between the one ormore NAI realm lists and list of home NAI realms, and to schedule forwireless transmission an additional user identifier message if there areno matches between the one or more NAI realm lists and list of home NAIrealms.

In example 38, the network access component of any of examples 28-37 mayoptionally be for execution on the circuitry to provide a network accessidentifier (NAI) home realm query as a sole element in a genericadvertisement service (GAS) initial request frame.

In example 39, the network access component of any of examples 28-38 mayoptionally be for execution on the circuitry to select a serviceprovider based upon operator policy of the apparatus if the one or moresupported provider lists include in total two or more providers thateach match a respective home service provider of the apparatus.

The embodiments, as previously described, may be implemented usingvarious hardware elements, software elements, or a combination of both.Examples of hardware elements may include devices, logic devices,components, processors, microprocessors, circuits, processor circuits,circuit elements (e.g., transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors,and so forth), integrated circuits, application specific integratedcircuits (ASIC), programmable logic devices (PLD), digital signalprocessors (DSP), field programmable gate array (FPGA), memory units,logic gates, registers, semiconductor device, chips, microchips, chipsets, and so forth. Examples of software elements may include softwarecomponents, programs, applications, computer programs, applicationprograms, system programs, software development programs, machineprograms, operating system software, middleware, firmware, softwaremodules, routines, subroutines, functions, methods, procedures, softwareinterfaces, application program interfaces (API), instruction sets,computing code, computer code, code segments, computer code segments,words, values, symbols, or any combination thereof. Determining whetheran embodiment is implemented using hardware elements and/or softwareelements may vary in accordance with any number of factors, such asdesired computational rate, power levels, heat tolerances, processingcycle budget, input data rates, output data rates, memory resources,data bus speeds and other design or performance constraints, as desiredfor a given implementation.

In some embodiments, an element is defined as a specific structureperforming one or more operations. It may be appreciated, however, thatany element defined as a specific structure performing a specificfunction may be expressed as a means or step for performing thespecified function without the recital of structure, material, or actsin support thereof, and such means or step is meant to cover thecorresponding structure, material, or acts described in the detaileddescription and equivalents thereof. The embodiments are not limited inthis context.

Some embodiments may be described using the expression “one embodiment”or “an embodiment” along with their derivatives. These terms mean that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Theappearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in thespecification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.Further, some embodiments may be described using the expression“coupled” and “connected” along with their derivatives. These terms arenot necessarily intended as synonyms for each other. For example, someembodiments may be described using the terms “connected” and/or“coupled” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physicalor electrical contact with each other. The term “coupled,” however, mayalso mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with eachother, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen thatvarious features are grouped together in a single embodiment for thepurpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is notto be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimedembodiments require more features than are expressly recited in eachclaim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matterlies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thusthe following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separateembodiment. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which”are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms“comprising” and “wherein,” respectively. Moreover, the terms “first,”“second,” “third,” and so forth, are used merely as labels, and are notintended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

What has been described above includes examples of the disclosedarchitecture. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components and/or methodologies, but one ofordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinationsand permutations are possible. Accordingly, the novel architecture isintended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variationsthat fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a memory to store oneor more identifiers for respective one or more home service providers;circuitry coupled to the memory; and a network access component forexecution on the circuitry to automatically identify a set of accesspoints that can provide wireless service to a device based upon the oneor more identifiers, and select an access point from the identified setof access points to establish a wireless connection.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, the network access component to schedule for wirelesstransmission a user identifier message including a list of the one ormore identifiers, the user identifier message comprising a networkaccess identifier (NAI) message that identifies the apparatus and a listof NAI home realms for which the device has security credentials.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 2, the network access component to receive one ormore response messages that include respective one or more supportedprovider lists, the one or more response messages including respectiveone or more realm lists, each of the one or more realm lists includingonly a list of realms that each provides a match to a correspondingrealm in the list of NAI home realms of the NAI message.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 3, the network access component to select a providerfrom a supported provider list of the one or more supported providerlists, the selected provider corresponding to an identifier of the oneor more identifiers, the one or more response messages includingrespective one or more NAI realm lists, each NAI realm list identifyingone or more service providers whose networks or services are accessiblevia a respective wireless access point.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4,comprising: the network access component for execution on the circuitryto: specify in a first field a number corresponding to the list of NAIhome realms for which the apparatus has security credentials; andspecify in a second field an NAI home realm name for each NAI home realmfor which the user device has security credentials.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 4, comprising: the network access component to scheduleassociation with an access point that provides the selected provider. 7.The apparatus of claim 6, the network access component to read a NAIrealm list in the response message in order to schedule association withthe access point.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, the network accesscomponent to select a NAI realm from among the one or more NAI realmlists in order to schedule association with the access point.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 8, the network access component to forward the NAIrealm in an association message in order to schedule association withthe access point.
 10. The apparatus of claim 6, comprising: the networkaccess component for execution on the circuitry to: read the one or moreNAI realm lists; determine if there are no matches between the one ormore NAI realm lists and list of home NAI realms; and schedule forwireless transmission an additional user identifier message if there areno matches between the one or more NAI realm lists and list of home NAIrealms.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, the network access component forexecution on the circuitry to provide a network access identifier (NAI)home realm query as a sole element in a generic advertisement service(GAS) initial request frame.
 12. The apparatus of claim 2, the networkaccess component for execution on the circuitry to select a serviceprovider based upon operator policy of the apparatus if the one or moresupported provider lists include in total two or more providers thateach match a respective home service provider of the apparatus.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 1, comprising an antenna to transmit and receivecommunications over the wireless connection.
 14. A computer implementedmethod, comprising: sending a user identifier message including a listof identifiers for one or more home service providers for a user deviceover a wireless connection; receiving one or more response messages thatinclude a respective one or more provider lists; selecting a providerfrom a supported provider list of the one or more provider lists thatmatches an identifier of the list of identifiers; and associating withan access point that supports the selected provider.
 15. The computerimplemented method of claim 14, the user identifier message comprising anetwork access identifier (NAI) message that identifies the user deviceand a list of NAI home realms for which the user device has securitycredentials.
 16. The computer implemented method of claim 15, the one ormore response messages including respective one or more realm lists,each of the one or more realm lists including only a list of realms thateach provides a match to a corresponding realm in the list of NAI homerealms of the NAI message.
 17. The computer implemented method of claim14, the one or more response messages including respective one or moreNAI realm lists, each NAI realm list identifying one or more serviceproviders whose networks or services are accessible via a wirelessaccess point.
 18. The computer implemented method of claim 16,comprising: specifying in a first field a number corresponding to thelist of NAI home realms for which the user device has securitycredentials; and specifiying in a second field an NAI home realm namefor each NAI home realm for which the user device has securitycredentials.
 19. The computer implemented method of claim 14,comprising: reading a network access identifier (NAI) realm list in theresponse message; selecting an NAI realm from among the NAI realm list;and forwarding the NAI realm in an association message.
 20. At least onecomputer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, whenexecuted, cause a system to: schedule for wireless transmission a useridentifier message including a list of identifiers of one or more homeservice providers for a user device; receive one or more responsemessages that include a respective one or more supported provider list;select a provider from a supported provider list of the one or moresupported provider lists that matches an identifier of the list ofidentifiers of the user device; and schedule association with an accesspoint that provides the selected provider.
 21. The at least onecomputer-readable storage medium of claim 20, the user identifiermessage comprising a network access identifier (NAI) message thatidentifies the user device and a list of NAI home realms for which theuser device has security credentials.
 22. The at least onecomputer-readable storage medium of claim 21, the one or more responsemessages including respective one or more realm lists, each of the oneor more realm lists including only a list of realms that each provides amatch to a corresponding realm in the list of NAI home realms of the NAImessage.
 23. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim21, the one or more response messages including respective one or moreNAI realm lists, each NAI realm list identifying one or more serviceproviders whose networks or services are accessible via a respectivewireless access point.
 24. The at least one computer-readable storagemedium of claim 23 comprising instructions that, when executed, cause asystem to: specify in a first field a number corresponding to the listof NAI home realms for which the user device has security credentials;and specifiy in a second field an NAI home realm name for each NAI homerealm for which the user device has security credentials.
 25. The atleast one computer-readable storage medium of claim 20, comprisinginstructions that, when executed, cause a system to: read a networkaccess identifier (NAI) realm list in the response message; select anNAI realm from among the NAI realm list; and forward the NAI realm in anassociation message.
 26. The at least one computer-readable storagemedium of claim 23, comprising instructions that, when executed, cause asystem to: read the one or more NAI realm lists; determine if there areno matches between the one or more NAI realm lists and list of home NAIrealms; and schedule for wireless transmission an additional useridentifier message if there are no matches between the one or more NAIrealm lists and list of home NAI realms.